Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood is preparing to return on loan to Scottish outfit Hamilton Academical after impressing towards the end of his previous loan spell with the club, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

It took Southwood some time to establish himself during his loan stint at Hamilton in the first half of the campaign, but he managed to make eight consecutive appearances towards the back end of 2019 before his loan came to an end earlier this month.

The 22-year-old then returned to his parent club in an attempt to break into Mark Bowen's plans for the second half of the season, but while he was named on the bench for two FA Cup clashes, it now appears Bowen deems it best for Southwood to return north.

This would represent the goalkeeper's fourth loan spell since climbing through the Royals' academy ranks, with Southwood having also spent time with Bath City and Eastleigh as he continues his wait for his first senior Reading appearance.

Southwood will now be aiming to impress during his second loan spell with the Accies as he targets a new Reading contract, with his current two-year deal set to expire this coming summer.

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The Verdict

This definitely appears to be the best move for Southwood's development given he is unlikely to player regular football with Reading this term, and it makes sense to re-join Hamilton seeing as he was starting to impress for the club last month.

Hamilton boss Brian Rice clearly has confidence in the 22-year-old to name him in the league side for eight straight matches, and the Royals will now be hoping that Southwood continues to feature for the Scottish side during the remainder of the campaign.

This opportunity now presents a clear chance for Southwood to impress those at Reading who will determine whether he gets awarded a new contract at the end of the season, but this does seem likely given his recent development.